Grapevine Lake Paddling Trail


Enjoy a paddling adventure of any length right in the heart of Grapevine on Grapevine Lake! 


Getting There

Access sites:

Meadowmere Park - (DD) 32.98195, -97.11227
From TX 114 in Grapevine, exit Kimball Ave. and head north at the light onto N Kimball Ave. Park entrance will be on the left.
             
Lakeview South Park - (DD) 32.97690, -97.09634
From TX 114 in Grapevine, exit Kimball Ave. and head north at the light onto N Kimball Ave. Turn left on Lakeview Dr. Continue onto Lakeridge Dr. and then bear right onto Lakeview Dr. into the park.

Oak Grove Park (Trawick Pavilion) – (DD) 32.97013, -97.08067
In Grapevine, follow TX 183 W/TX 114 toward the DFW Airport and exit Texan Trail (will turn into Ruth Wall Rd.). Turn left on Dove Loop Rd. and then take a right on Oak Grove Loop S into Oak Grove Park. Turn left on Darren G Medlin Tr. and the boat ramp will be at the end of Darren G Medlin Tr. on the right.

Distance from nearest major cities:

  • Austin - 211
  • Bryan/College Station - 190
  • Dallas - 22
  • Fort Worth - 23
  • Houston - 261
  • San Antonio - 290

Map


Trail Description and Landmarks

Trail Length: 3.8 miles – 9.4 miles (depending on route taken)
Route lengths:
1.9 miles from Meadowmere Park Boat Ramp to Lakeview South Boat Ramp
2.8 miles from Lakeview South Boat Ramp to Tranick Park Boat Ramp
2.3 miles from Tranick Park Boat Ramp to Meadowmere Park Boat Ramp

Float Times:1-6 hours (depending on water level, route taken, time spent on lake, and wind speed)

This reservoir has a surface area of over 6,500 acres with a maximum depth of 65 feet and includes many drop-offs and underwater structure changes that hold largemouth bass. The lake generally lacks vegetation, however some emergent plants can be found in the upper end, and numerous areas of the lake have shoreline with large boulders.

Fishing

Grapevine Lake offers excellent fishing for Florida largemouth bass, which are the most popular sport fish in the lake. White bass, white crappie, and channel catfish are also popular with anglers. The lake generally lacks vegetation, however some emergent plants can be found in the upper end.  Numerous areas of the lake have shoreline with large boulders. This reservoir has a surface area of over 6,500 acres with a maximum depth of 65 feet and includes many drop-offs and underwater structure changes that hold largemouth bass. Rocky shorelines and boathouses are also good spots for largemouth bass. The water intake near the dam has an air injection area that attracts white bass. Highly successful fishing spots around the trail are McPherson Slough and Lakeview Park.

Wildlife and Ecology

The diversity of the habitat surrounding the lake supports a variety of plant and animal life which thrive in the oaks and cedar elms near the shoreline. Birds spotted at Grapevine Lake include the great blue heron, great egret, migratory waterfowl, and a host of songbirds. Common wildlife encountered include fox squirrels, raccoons, and white-tail deer.

Private Property

Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down. This river is classified as navigable, which permits public use of the streambed and, if necessary, the banks to portage any hazard. Any other use of private river banks without permission of the landowner can be considered trespassing. Under Texas Penal Code (§30.05), criminal trespass occurs when one enters property after receiving notice not to enter. Notice includes verbal notice, a fence, sign(s), purple paint on posts or trees, or the visible presence of crops grown for human consumption.

Events & Attractions

For more information please see the Paddling Events calendar.

Historic Downtown Grapevine
Don’t miss Historic Downtown Grapevine, Texas! Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the winery tasting rooms. Sample delicious dishes from locally-owned restaurants. Shop for some bling at one of the jewelry stores or boutiques. Enjoy a performance by the Grapevine Opry at the renovated 1940s era Palace Theatre. See beautiful works of art at the fine art working studios or galleries located along Main Street. Hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Learn that crime doesn’t pay at the Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower, featuring the Would-Be Train Robbers Nat Barrett and Willy Majors. With so many fun things to do, you’ll find something fun for everyone in Historic Downtown Grapevine. For more information, visit www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com or call 800-457-6338.

The Vineyards Campground & Cabins
Relax on the shores of Grapevine Lake. Our nationally acclaimed campground is well-known for its peaceful setting, lovely grounds, lakefront views, and accommodating staff. The Vineyards Campground & Cabins offers something for everyone:
We know you will enjoy any number of our fine amenities, including many spacious pull-thrus and the cozy fully-furnished cabins. Once you get checked-in, take the kids to the playground or grab your swimsuit and head down to our private sandy beach to enjoy Grapevine Lake. If you forgot something, we offer a wide selection of camping supplies, firewood, Vineyards clothing line, and personal gifts in our Camp Store. Adjacent to the Camp Store at Grapevine Station, we provide onsite washers and dryers to take care of all your laundry needs. In addition, Grapevine Station will be the Center Stage for many of our complimentary weekend special events held for our guests. Take time to explore the campground and enjoy many of the amenities we offer as well. There is great fishing on Grapevine Lake, or hiking on our Nature Trail, or paddling around the lake in our kayaks.

The Grapevine Botanical Gardens
The Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park is a beautiful park with trails, streams, ponds, sitting areas and hundreds of varieties of plants for viewing.  This garden is a hidden gem in Grapevine.

Historic Nash Farm
Nash Farm, circa 1859, is the oldest operating farmstead in Tarrant County. Through interpretive programs, events and exhibits, Nash Farm educates the community about the heritage and importance of the Grapevine Prairie and Grapevine’s pivotal role in the development of North Texas.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad! Guests will love the exciting ride along the rails in the 1920s-era Victorian coaches as they journey to the Fort Worth Stockyards most weekends throughout the year. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday passengers will enjoy the Great Train Robberies as they help the deputies capture the outlaws. Or, enjoy one of the many special events such as the Jazz Wine Trains, Day Out With Thomas™, North Pole Express® and more.

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Grapevine, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Shuttles & Rentals

City of Grapevine, Meadowmere Park

3000 Meadowmere Ln
Grapevine, TX 76051
817-488-5272, www.playgrapevine.com
Kayak rentals, site camping, and SUP rentals

Discover Kayak

3000 Meadowmere Ln
Grapevine, TX 76051
972-369-9506, www.dfw-kayak.com/
Kayak Rentals, Instruction, and Fishing Tours